Stepping up: Pizza delivery driver trips suspect fleeing from police

BROOKHAVEN, Pa. — A pizza delivery driver in Pennsylvania helped police capture a man fleeing from police on Sunday, using his foot to trip the alleged car thief.

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Tyler Morrell, a delivery driver for Cocco’s Pizzeria in Aston, stepped up to assist the Brookhaven Police Department at about 3 p.m. EDT, WCAU-TV reported.

Cocco’s Pizzeria shared the homeowner’s doorbell camera video on its Facebook page, apologizing for the language but adding that it was warranted, given the circumstances.

According to the doorbell camera, Morrell was delivering his order when he heard police sirens, Philly Voice reported.

“It was a pretty simple delivery. I think it was two pizzas, a plain and pepperoni,” Morrell told the Delaware County Daily Times. “I rang the doorbell and the lady answers the door and we both heard sirens.”

Officers with the Brookhaven Borough Police Department were chasing a 17-year-old suspect that had allegedly stolen a car, according to WCAU. The teen hit a utility pole along a residential street and fled on foot.

“That’s a high-speed chase,” a woman inside the home can be heard on the doorbell camera footage as Morrell walked to the street to make sure that his vehicle was not in danger of being damaged.

“You’d better not hit my (expletive) car, dude,” Morrell can be heard on the video.

As officers ordered the teen to stop, Morrell stuck out his foot as he ran by, tripping him and allowing officers to make the arrest, WTXF-TV reported.

“I tried to just trip him but he went flying,” Morrell told the Daily Times. “I think I could help the police out a little bit. I guess I went in and went full punter on.”

Morrell then walked back to the door and delivered the pizza.

Police appreciated Morrell’s help, even offering him a job in a social media post, WCAU reported. But Brookhaven Police Chief Michael Vice said it was unwise for the general public to intervene in a police chase.

“I understand the pizza ended up being delivered without any further incidents,” Vice told the television station. “But, in all seriousness, we do ask people to not intervene. We do want to let the police handle it. But, in this case, it did work out.”